This morning I called for additional energy support for grassroots music venues ahead of the cliff-edge of support fast approaching on April 1st. The sector faces an average increase of 278% in their energy bill payments yet isn’t currently included in the Government’s ‘exceptional’ support category.

For many small live music venues this will spell permanent closure. Communities lose their cultural institutions, while a generation of aspiring artists are denied a local platform to display their talents and live out their dreams. The Minister promised to review the situation, but the Chancellor must act if grassroots venues are to survive until the summer.

I also couldn’t mention the Bristol music scene without paying testament to the legend Big Jeff  and his recovery. I’m delighted to read that he’ll be not just be out and about for Independent Venues Week next week, but will be playing the drums with his own band too.